Publications
Hydrocarbon Cracking Over Red Mud and Modified Red Mud Samples
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The aluminum industry generates large quantities of red mud during the beneficiation of bauxite ore. The red mud is disposed of as a waste in dry or wet form. Given the issues with its disposal due to the large volume and high alkalinity, many research groups and industries have examined the use of red mud for different applications. The use of red mud as a pre-catalyst for the cracking of hydrocarbon leads to hydrogen formation and carbon deposition.
Identification and topographical characterization of microbial nanowires in Nostoc punctiforme
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Extracellular pili-like structures (PLS) produced by cyanobacteria have been poorly explored. We have done detailed topographical and electrical characterisation of PLS in Nostoc punctiforme PCC 73120 using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM). TEM analysis showed that N. punctiforme produces two separate types of PLS differing in their length and diameter. The first type of PLS are 6–7.5 nm in diameter and 0.5–2 lm in length (short/thin PLS) while the second type of PLS are *20–40 nm in diameter and more than 10 lm long (long/thick PLS).
Inherent vulnerability of agricultural communities in Himalaya: A village-level hotspot analysis in the Uttarakhand state of India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Mountain regions are characterized by complex biophysical and marginal socio-economic conditions that contribute to the vulnerability of agricultural communities. Owing to the extremely heterogeneous conditions in mountains, it becomes imperative to understand the spatial distribution of vulnerability at fine-scale. This study assesses the inherent vulnerability of agricultural communities at village level for the entire state of Uttarakhand.
Isolation and characterization of Candida vishwanathii strain TERI MS1 for degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in marine environment
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
"In an ongoing prospecting project for developing a bioremediation strategy for marine oil spills, a strain of yeast was isolated from petroleum crude oil contaminated sample. The strain, TERI MS1 was initially characterized biochemically, subsequently identified as Candida vishwanathii based on the sequence analysis of D1/D2 domain of 26S rRNA, and further confirmed by sequencing of internal transcribed spacer. The strain C. vishwanathii was able to utilize petroleum crude oil in natural seawater with 49 percent degradation in 72 h.
Mapping long-term land use and land cover change in the central Himalayan region using a tree-based ensemble classification approach.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Forest cover and its change analysis along with nexus between other land cover types are often seen as insufficient data quality for operational applications in the Himalayan region. Despite extensive documentation reporting rapid demographic, socio-economic and environmental changes in this region, we lack comprehensive detailed assessments of spatial distribution of land use/land cover (LULC) change over an extended period of time.
Microbial production of 2,3-butanediol through a two-stage pH and agitation strategy in 150 l bioreactor
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
This study was focused on scaling up of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) production, via fermentation in a 150 l bioreactor using the newly isolated strain Enterobacter cloacae TERI BD 18. Operational parameters were customized for the strain E. cloacae using a fed- batch strategy, which enhanced the glucose to 2,3-BD conversion yield (0.44 g/g).
Mini-grid based off-grid electrification to enhance electricity access in developing countries: What policies may be required
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
With 1.2 billion people still lacking electricity access by 2013, electricity access remains a major global challenge. Although mini-grid based electrification has received attention in recent times, their full exploitation requires policy support covering a range of areas. Distilling the experience from a five year research project, OASYS South Asia, this paper presents the summary of research findings and shares the experience from four demonstration activities.
Mobile health units: Mobilizing healthcare to reach unreachable
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Purpose: Despite a considerable size, mobile health units (MHUs) are rarely noticed in healthcare network, probably due to its non-profit organization and lack of extensive evaluation. There is no published review, to best of our knowledge, which provides a descriptive insight of this sector and its position in public health. Present article thoroughly reviews available literature to explain MHU's setup, organization, and role in healthcare delivery. Methodology: Search was conducted using PUBMED, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Popline, CINAHL, and Google for grey literature.
Morphogenesis of edible gall in Zizania latifolia (Griseb.) Turcz. ex Stapf due to Ustilago esculenta Henn. infection in India.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The Zizania latifolia Griseb. Turcz. ex Stapf., a perennial wetland wild rice species get infected by a basidiomycetous fungus Ustilago esculenta Henn that produces gall. Here we report the morphogenesis behaviour of this plant during gall transformation. The identity of Z. latifolia and U. esculenta were confirmed by comparing microsatellite and Internal Transcribed Spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence with the public database. U. esculenta infection transforms the Z. latifolia into two distinct morphotypes such as gall forming and non-gall forming.